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I only have the vaguest memories of flying in the “before time” – back when bags were free, meals were provided, and seats were designed to accommodate actual, full-sized adult human beings. Because flying is not that experience anymore. Flying is expensive and flying comfortably is prohibitively expensive. The way things have been trending, the old cartoon trope of sealing yourself in a box covered in postage stamps is starting to look like an appealing option.

It’s in this environment of continuous perk-downgrading that major American airlines have begun to roll out a seating class below economy. That’s right. If you thought economy class seating was a bit too luxurious for your tastes, say hello to basic economy.

Delta debuted basic economy last year, and United and American Airlines will be rolling out their takes on sub-economy seating sometime this year.

As The Economist reported earlier this year, Delta’s version of basic economy is essentially economy minus the ability to select a seat, upgrade a ticket, or change or cancel a reservation 24 hours after booking. In other words, you’re buying what is essentially a nonrefundable/nonexchangeable ticket for a single seat somewhere in the plane (if there are two or more of you traveling together, don’t expect to sit together).

Of course, airlines like Delta aren’t creating new floors to their ticketing structure out of spite. Basic economy is a reaction to the success of “no-frills” airlines like Spirit and Frontier. Those airlines provide almost nothing in the way of basic perks and are extremely profitable, despite often being rated as the worst airlines to fly. It’s hard to fault larger airlines for reading the success of a company like Spirit as a sign that consumers just want to pay less for airfare, no matter how awful the experience may be.

The problem is that as the no-frills approach gains in popularity, there’s a real chance that every basic amenity will eventually turn into a paid perk. Window seats? Those cost extra. Overhead bins? Those are pay-by-the-square-inch. The lavatory? Hope you brought some cash.

The truth is that the days of flying as an experience may very well be over, at least for the majority of us who can’t afford luxury prices. Flying today is just about getting where you’re going. It’s a slightly more stressful (and supremely more expensive) version of your regular hour-long workday commute. We’ll eventually adjust our expectations of what a plane ticket buys you, but in the meantime, it’s hard not to be disappointed that while seemingly every other industry is in a race to see who can give us the most, airlines are in a race to see who can give us the least.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer perk-free flying if it can save you a little money? Share your thoughts and leave a comment below.

Comment(s)

I might consider it in a bereavement situation where you want a flight fast and care about nothing else. For a pleasure journey it doesn't sound fun at all.

Christina B says: March 18, 2016

The new less-than-economy option is disgusting. I recently discovered this insulting abomination on Frontier. No, the LESS ECON tixs aren’t LESS EXPENSIVE so I wasn’t expecting the joke of plane seat I’d bought. It was even less leg room than before - the front seat hit my knees hard. The lawnchair thin immovable seats are frozen at a slight incline. You cannot move them at all. The fold down tray in front of you is the size of a wallet, so forget any computer work, reading or writing. The person in the middle will often be forced to have their knees in your space. The airlines deserve to tank for this one. This American airline trend gets my middle finger…

DANY says: March 21, 2016

That sounds awful. I think I'll stick with the traditional economy prices when flying. So much discomfort is too uncomfortable especially on a long flight. Maybe the airlines could come up with some better consumer friendly options.

joyce shiffrin says: March 17, 2016

although I have NEVER flown on a plane in my entire life, I honestly think that less than economy seats are a VERY GOOD IDEA, especially for people who are financially challenged or are simply cost-conscious!!!

Karen says: March 21, 2016

Tickets cost way to much and we are already getting nothing. I think they need to stop this nonsense, lower their prices and quit gouging the public. Traveling is horrible already.

Shyla Gaines says: March 17, 2016

Although I normally fly American, I went on a girls trip and the airline of choice was Allegiant Airlines. This is a no frills menu based airline. You had to pay for everything extra, even still it ended up saving us about $400 from what American was charging. I first checked the safety record of Allegiant and was pleasantly surprised. They were up there with the other high priced carriers. So I went nonstop, the flight was very smooth and I'd definitely do it again. As far as the other airlines offering a lower class than economy. Go right ahead but it still better beat Allegiant'd price because that's how I'll roll as long as they fly the path that Im on.